Light emitting diode luminaires and applications thereof

Abstract

LED assemblies and luminaires comprising the same are described herein. In some embodiments, the LED assemblies and luminaires are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications including outdoor lighting applications such as roadway and sidewalk lighting, parking lot lighting and residential area lighting.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present application hereby claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 197,486 filed Oct. 28, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 118,045 filed Nov. 26, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 119,802 filed Dec. 4, 2008, each which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to luminaires and, in particular, to luminaires comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Luminaires for providing general illumination to an area are well known and often used in outdoor lighting applications including roadway and sidewalk lighting, parking lot lighting, and residential area lighting. In order to increase luminaire efficiency, LEDs have been incorporated into luminaire design as a light source. LEDs offer several advantages including high lighting efficiency, long lifetimes that...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention, in some embodiments, provides LED assemblies and luminaires comprising the same, which can eliminate or mitigate one or more disadvantages associated with LED light sources, including overheating, electrical fluctuations and / or complex assembly structures and requirements.

[0008]Moreover, in some embodiments, a luminaire of the present invention comprises at least one LED assembly as a light source and a plurality of fins. A LED assembly, in some embodiments, comprises at least one LED coupled to a printed circuit board, a heat sink for the at least one LED, an optic disposed over the at least one LED and one or more clips binding the optic, LED / printed circuit board and heat sink. Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more fins of the luminaire has a structure to facilitate passage of convective air currents through the luminaire resulting in the cooling of the LEDs disposed therein. The design of the fins, in some embodiments, accelerates convective air currents over the surface area of the fins enhancing the cooling of LEDs of the luminaire.

Problems solved by technology

Conversely, LEDs additionally exhibit several disadvantages which challenge their use in luminaire constructions, including luminaires used for general outdoor illumination.

Operating LEDs in high ambient temperatures can lead to overheating and device failure.

Moreover, LEDs generally are offered in relatively low lumen packages, necessitating large numbers to create the required lighting levels.

As a result, it can be difficult to achieve sufficient illumination over a wide area with LED sources while maintaining uniformity and avoiding direct glare.

Furthermore, LEDs are sensitive to electrical fluctuations and require the proper current.

Voltage surges and spikes can significantly damage LEDs resulting in device failure.

LED packages used in outdoor applications additionally require complex housing structures to isolate the LEDs and associated electrical equipment from various environmental elements.

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